Top Five Decluttering Strategies: Find the Best Method for You!

It’s the new year, a time to start fresh. 

The perfect time to bid adieu to clutter in the pursuit of a more organized, peaceful living space.

Easy peasy, right?

Well, maybe not. 

Saying goodbye to treasured—and even not-so-treasured—items can prove challenging. 

The sheer number of decluttering strategies out there (thanks, Google) can feel overwhelming. Not only are you deciding the fate of your belongings, but you’re also sifting through a mountain of advice to find what works best for you.  

Deep breath—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. 

Read on for the top five decluttering practices. Before you know it, the chaos of your home, storage unit, or even the garage, will be a thing of the past.

Serenity is in sight! 

Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method™

The most popular of the decluttering processes, the KonMari Method™ is the brainchild of world-renowned organizing expert, Marie Kondo. 

The foundation of her strategy?

“Does it spark joy?”

Instead of focusing on what objects to part with, Kondo focuses on only keeping what makes you happy.

She suggests beginning by category rather than location, and the order of these categories matters. The most effective area to begin with is clothing followed by books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and lastly, sentimental items. 

Kondo encourages expressing gratitude for special belongings and then letting them go. 

While tidying is part of the journey, Kondo’s goal is to clear away the clutter in order to “live the life you want.” 

Swedish Death Cleaning

While Swedish Death Cleaning sounds a bit grim, it actually invites beautiful reflection on your life and creating space for items that matter most.

This choice is best suited for those in their later years who have the ability to sort through their belongings. 

Rather than burden loved ones with the emotional task of weeding through your lifelong possessions after you’re gone, you can ease the process by handling it yourself. 

Think of it as a gift of love and clarity.

The 12-12-12 Method

If you’re not in a rush to declutter, this gradual process may be just the ticket for you.

On a rotational basis:

Throw away 12 things.

Donate 12 things.

Put away 12 things.

This gentle approach can be increased or decreased to suit your needs. 

365 Less Things 

Of all the decluttering styles, this deceptively powerful method is the least overwhelming—and most gradual. Each day for a year, simply remove one item from your space. This is a great option if you’re not in a hurry. 

The Traditional Decluttering Method

Decluttering expert Peter Walsh’s strategy is the most common. 

To begin, label three boxes—“Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Throw Away.” 

Walsh instructs:

First, empty the space.

Clearly envision the space as you see it in its newly organized state.

Sort items into the piles listed above.

Throw away or donate the belongings that you’re parting with.

Now, reorganize the items you’ve decided to keep.

This is just a glimpse into a few of the most popular decluttering styles. Select what best resonates with you. Or perhaps, mix-and-match strategies. 

Just remember—small successes make for big ones. One shelf, drawer, or room at a time.

The best part? Less clutter means less cleaning. Who doesn’t want that?

Ready to make space for what truly matters? Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive in!